In 1949 Chrysler was the first automobile manufacturer to use an actual key to start their cars and by 1987 the Cadillac Allante was started with a factory-installed remote entry capable of locking and unlocking the car doors.1
In the early 1990s keyless entry became mainstream on automobiles. Today’s key fobs do much more than start a car. Since Chevrolet came out with the first key fob with remote start on the Chevy Malibu in 2004, keyless entry has evolved to also include anti-theft protection.
While the key fob may eventually be replaced, it remains the standard to access most vehicles today. If you own a car with a key fob, you will inevitably have issues with the key fob battery, which will need to be replaced.
When the battery goes, it’s the same as having lost your keys and you may need to call a locksmith for assistance.
The battery in your key fob sends a wireless signal to your car in order to open the car and in some model start the car remotely and verify that you are not a thief set on stealing the car.
Key Fob Issues
While most car key fob batteries can last two to five years, it is prudent to make sure you know which battery your fob requires, how you can tell when your battery is losing charge, how to change the battery, and what to do if you are in a situation where the battery is dead and won’t open the car doors and/or start the car.
Most cars run on one of two standard key fob battery sizes — a CR2032 or a CR2025 coin cell battery.2 Some key fobs have the battery size imprinted in the plastic on the outside of the key fob, but most don’t. You can look in the owner’s manual or do research online to find out what battery your key fob takes but the best, but perhaps not the easiest, way to determine the battery size you need is to open your key fob and look at what is imprinted on the existing battery.
Troubleshooting Key Issues
Opening and closing a key fob isn’t always easy. That’s why it’s best to learn how to do so before you are in an emergency — the door won’t open or the car won’t start — situation.YouTube.com 3 offers many helpful tips on how to open any number of key fob types.
Ask a Locksmith
If you don’t want the hassle of doing research, a professional locksmith would be happy to open your key fob and determine what battery is needed. If you aren’t confident that you can replace the key fob battery without damaging the sensitive internal components that are exposed when the key fob is opened, it is more cost effective to have a locksmith do the job for you. Replacing a damaged car key fob and having it reprogrammed can cost from $150 to $400.4
There are some telltale signs that your key fob battery is losing its charge. They include the following:
• Having to hit the unlock or lock button on the fob multiple times before the car responds to the command
• Having to move closer to the car to lock or unlock the door
• A warning light on your car dash indicating that the key fob battery is low or needs to be replaced
If you can’t start your car because your key fob battery is dead, your car owner’s manual should tell you what you can do to start the car without the key fob. Some key fobs have a metal key inside that you insert into a specified location (like inside the center console) to start the car.
If you aren’t able to access your owner’s manual it is best to go online and research how to start your particular model or you can call your car dealer or local locksmith to provide assistance.
Car key fob batteries don’t cost a lot. Changing the batteries every year or two will ensure that you never have to deal with a lock-out or no-start issue.
Lockout Services Available Anytime
Although a failed key fob seems like a simple fix, when it fails at an unexpected time, it’s anything but a simple fix.
You can count on Action Locksmith Inc. for help, advice or assistance with any door lock and key issue including car keys and key fobs. We are professional locksmiths providing expert locksmith services to both homes and businesses throughout Southeastern Michigan. Call anytime and speak to one of our lock and security experts, Free.
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1 The Evolution of Car Keys is More Interesting that You Might Think by David Bears, 12/25/2017
Link: https://www.caranddriver.com/news/a14499282/the-evolution-of-car-keys-is-more-interesting-than-you-think/
2 What Battery Does Your Car Key Fob Need? Complete Guide to Key Fob Batteries by Jackson Doyle, 10/6/2024
3 YouTube link
Link: https://www.youtube.com/
4 Key Fob Replacement: What You Need to Know by Andrew Ganz, 4/29/2024
Link: https://www.kbb.com/car-advice/key-fob-replacement/